Storm leaves hundreds homeless in Tonga

ReutersAn aerial view shows the damage to the town of Pangai on Lifuka Island after Cyclone Ian hit Tonga. Picture: Matangi Tonga

Nuku’Alofa, Tonga -

Tongan officials said on Monday that 300 to 400 families had their homes severely damaged or destroyed in a powerful storm but they are relieved the death toll hasn't risen beyond one.

Director of Emergencies Leveni Aho said it's “almost unbelievable” there weren't more fatalities given the devastation caused by Cyclone Ian, which pummelled the South Pacific archipelago with gusts up to 287 kilometres per hour on Saturday.

Worst hit was the Ha'apai island group, home to 8 000 people. Authorities said one elderly woman on Lifuka Island was killed but haven't released details. Aho said several people suffered moderate injuries but none were life threatening.

Aho said the cyclone's destructive path was unusually narrow and did not create major flooding, which helped limit the damage. He said relief supplies have begun arriving but he remains concerned that fresh water supplies are dwindling, in part because many people rely on roof rainwater catchment systems that were destroyed in the storm.

He said that one of the two main cellphone operators restored service on Monday, which has vastly improved communications. Residents remain without power, he said, but he hopes power will be restored to some places in the several days.

He said there was severe damage to the control tower at Ha'apai airport but that some flights carrying relief supplies have been able to land.

Most of the destroyed homes were made from light timber frames with iron roofs, Aho said. He said many residents live subsistence lifestyles and may face food shortages after their crops were destroyed.

New Zealand's government has pledged 50 000 New Zealand dollars ($41 000) toward relief efforts and several aid agencies have deployed to the region. - Sapa-AP

Comment Guidelines

Has a comment offended you? Hover your mouse over the comment and wait until a small triangle appears on the right-hand side. Click triangle () and select "Flag as inappropriate". Our moderators will take action if need be.

Verified email addresses: All users on Independent Media news sites are now required to have a verified email address before being allowed to comment on articles. You are only required to verify your email address once to have full access to commenting on articles. For more information please read our comment guidelines